Creating Vibrant Rural Communities for Florida’s Future January 28, 2014

2 Florida Rural Economic Development Study

Rural Florida Strengths  Close proximity to urban assets  Population growth  Job growth projected 3

Targeted Sectors 4 Rural Florida Targeted Sectors Agribusiness Aviation / Aerospace Healthcare Services and Products Logistics and Distribution Renewable Energy Sustainable Building Products

Key Recommendations 5  Change the “Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern” name  Eliminate QTI provision that requires that any applicant that exercises the option to be exempt from the local financial support requirement is not eligible for more than 80 percent of the total tax refunds allowed such applicant  Eliminate local match requirement under Rural Infrastructure Fund  Support development of a program that focuses on training of elected officials in economic development  Develop more Catalyst Sites

Moving Forward 6 House Bill 0611

Economic Development is a Team Sport. 7

8 QUESTIONS